Man arrested on suspicion of killing his parents in Aptos

Two people who were slain in Aptos over the weekend have been identified as the father and mother of the man arrested for their murders, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.

The bodies of Joseph Henderson, 71, and Edith Henderson, 68, were found at their home at 163 Ridgeview Drive after sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a family disturbance at 4:48 p.m. Sunday, sheriff's Deputy April Skalland said.

Their son, 39-year-old James Henderson, whose address is unknown, was taken into custody at 7:50 p.m. Sunday while hiding in a neighbor's yard a few houses down from his parents' home, Skalland said.

Joseph Henderson had been struck by a car, while Edith died as the result of some kind of attack, which remains under investigation, Skalland said.

"We are still gathering evidence at the scene," Skalland said Monday morning.

Henderson had allegedly fled his parents' property on foot after the killings, Skalland said.

The motive for the murders remains under investigation, she said.

During the search for Henderson, a reverse 911 call went out to residents in the area advising them to lock their doors and to call police to report any suspicious activity.